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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Jason say Medea is lucky?
(a) Her husband is still willing to provide for her when she leaves.
(b) He thinks she should be executed for threatening the King.
(c) She doesn't have to worry about how to provide for a family.
(d) She has two children to take with her so she won't be lonely.

2. What was Jason's mission when he and Medea met?
(a) To find glory and live forever in legend.
(b) To capture the Golden Fleece.
(c) To negotiate peace with Thebes.
(d) To find a beautiful wife.

3. What has Jason said is his intent with regard to his children?
(a) He intends to move them in with him and his new wife.
(b) He wants them to be shipped back to Medea's homeland.
(c) He doesn't intend to help support them.
(d) He wants to send them away for military training.

4. Why does Medea believe Jason looked for another woman?
(a) He is embarrassed by Medea.
(b) He wants to marry into money.
(c) They are no longer intimate.
(d) He isn't able to have more children with Medea.

5. Why does Medea say Creon's mercy was foolish?
(a) One day isn't enough time for her to take care of her children.
(b) One day is enough time to exact her revenge.
(c) It gives her enough time to break up Jason and his new wife.
(d) Showing mercy is a sign of weakness.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the author emphasize several times that Medea is a "stranger in a strange land"?

2. What is the Nurse's reaction when she learns what Jason thinks about the plan involving Medea?

3. Why does Medea have no choice but to trust Jason?

4. What characters interrupt the Nurse's monologue?

5. What does Jason say he has done on Medea's behalf?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jason think his life is over?

2. Why is it significant that Medea is overcome with tears when she puts the children's hands into Jason's?

3. Do you agree or disagree with Creon's decision to banish Medea? Why or why not?

4. Describe how the princess and Creon die.

5. What do you think the messenger means when he says the princess "smiled at the lifeless image of herself" in the mirror?

6. Is there any indication that, as Medea claims, the gods know the crimes Jason has committed against her?

7. How is Jason's behavior different the second time he speaks with Medea?

8. Why do you think Euripides introduces the Delphi oracle into the story?

9. Does Aegeus have all the information he needs before he swears an oath to Medea? Explain.

10. The ode from the chorus after Medea's monologue seems a bit misplaced, as though they are not speaking about Medea at all. What do you think is the purpose of this choral piece?

(see the answer keys)

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